Topics in Contemporary Photography II: Bernd and Hilla Becher and Beyond with Dr. Jennie Hirsh

This lecture focuses on the rich history of 20th and 21st century photography that has emerged in Germany. To begin, we will consider the ways in which Bernd and Hilla Becher build on the goals of the earlier artists associated with the so-called New Objectivity movement, such as August Sander and Karl Blossfeldt. In addition to exploring the Bechers' various series of (mostly industrial) architectural typologies, such as their famous images of gas tanks, furnaces, and factories, we will look at how their work figures a kind of modern industrial archaeology. Moreover, we will retrace their incredible artistic legacy through their former students—such as Andreas Gursky, Candida Höfer, Thomas Ruff, and Thomas Struth—whose respective practices in art not only extend the influence of their teachers but also constitute their own particular contributions to the history of contemporary photography. Finally, we will analyze how this particular constellation of artists intersects with other revolutionary German artists like Gerhard Richter, Anselm Kiefer, and Thomas Demand. 

Led by an expert on modern and contemporary art, Dr. Jennie Hirsh, this lecture will put into context this important constellation of photographic activity of the one hundred years. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding why the importance of Germany contemporary photography endures.